Seat track fittings and methods for installing passenger seats in aircraft cabins using seat track fittings

ABSTRACT

Provided are seat track fittings and methods for installing passenger seats in aircraft cabins using these seat track fittings such that the same seat can be installed on different types of seat tracks. A seat track fitting comprises a leg support, a pin, and a base interconnecting the leg support and pin. During the installation of the seat track fitting, the pin is inserted into an attachment opening of the seat track. The attachment opening is selected based on the desired position of a seat. A removable fastener then protrudes through the base of the seat track fitting and is inserted into another attachment opening of the seat track. The seat is then attached to the seat track fitting by inserting the stud end of the seat into the leg support of the seat track fitting and fixing the stud end within the leg support.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.16/404,977, filed on May 7, 2019, which is incorporated herein in itsentirety for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

A typical passenger aircraft is equipped with seats for passengers tooccupy during flight. These seats are typically on seat tracks extendingthrough the aircraft cabin. The seats are arranged in rows and aisles,with specific seat pitches determining the space between two adjacentrows. The seat tracks may have multiple attachment points allowingdifferent seat arrangements in the cabin. For example, the seat pitch(SP) may be adjusted by moving the seats along the tracks and attachingthe seats to new attachment points on the tracks. Changing the seatpitch allows increasing or decreasing the aircraft capacity and legroom(e.g., to address seasonal and route demand fluctuations). As such,airlines and other aircraft operators are often interested in being ableto reconfigure an aircraft cabin in a fast and efficient manner.However, adding seats to aircraft or, more specifically, stockingcorrect types of seats, can be challenging due to differentconfigurations of seat tracks and seats used in different aircraft. Atypical airline may operate many different makes and models of aircraftusing different seats and seat tracks. At the same time, an airline maybe interested in reconfiguring aircraft cabins at different locations(e.g., at multiple hubs or even airports). Managing stocks of differenttypes of seats (e.g., at different locations where reconfigurations mayoccur) and matching these seats to specific seat tracks can be verychallenging.

What is needed are seat track fittings and methods for installingpassenger seats in aircraft cabins using these seat track fittings suchthat the same seat can be installed on different types of seat tracks,in one case using seat track fittings and in another case without seattrack fittings.

SUMMARY

Provided are seat track fittings and methods for installing passengerseats in aircraft cabins using these seat track fittings such that thesame seat can be installed on different types of seat tracks. A seattrack fitting comprises a leg support, a pin, and a base interconnectingthe leg support and pin. During the installation of the seat trackfitting, the pin is inserted into an attachment opening of the seattrack. The attachment opening is selected based on the desired positionof a seat. A removable fastener then protrudes through the base of theseat track fitting and is inserted into another attachment opening ofthe seat track. The seat is then attached to the seat track fitting byinserting the stud end of the seat into the leg support of the seattrack fitting and fixing the stud end within the leg support.

Illustrative, non-exclusive examples of inventive features according tothe present disclosure are described in the following enumeratedparagraphs:

A1. Method 300 for installing seat 110 on seat track 190 in an aircraftcabin, method 300 comprising:

-   -   providing seat track fitting 200, having first axis 201 and        comprising base 210, leg support 230, and pin 270, wherein:        -   base 210 comprises first planar surface 211, second planar            surface 212, and base opening 215;        -   leg support 230 comprises first leg support portion 240 and            second leg support portion 250, forming channel 260 over            first planar surface 211 of base 210 and comprising support            opening 263; and        -   pin 270 is monolithic with base 210 and extends from second            planar surface 212 away from leg support 230;    -   inserting pin 270 of seat track fitting 200 into first        attachment opening 193 of seat track 190; and    -   installing removable fastener 290 through second attachment        opening 194 of seat track 190 and through base opening 215 of        seat track fitting 200, wherein removable fastener 290 forces        second planar surface 212 of base 210 of seat track fitting 200        toward track support 192 of seat track 190.

A2. Method 300 of paragraph A1, wherein support opening 263 comprisesfirst semicircular portion 264, concentric with base opening 215, andwherein installing removable fastener 290 comprises protruding removablefastener 290 through first semicircular portion 264, base opening 215,and second attachment opening 194 and tightening fastener nut 292 ofremovable fastener 290 against first planar surface 211.

A3. Method 300 of paragraph A2, wherein tightening fastener nut 292against first planar surface 211 comprises flaring end 294 of removablefastener 290 inside track channel 199 of seat track 190.

A4. Method 300 of paragraph A2, wherein at least a portion of fastenernut 292 is positioned within channel 260.

A5. Method 300 of any one of paragraphs A1-A4, further comprisingattaching seat 110 to seat track fitting 200, supported on seat track190.

A6. Method 300 of paragraph A5, wherein attaching seat 110 to seat trackfitting 200 comprises:

-   -   protruding stud end 115 of seat 110 into channel 260;    -   sliding seat 110 along first axis 201 of seat track fitting 200;    -   rotating stud nut 116 of seat 110 relative to stud 114,        connecting stud end 115 and leg 112 of seat 110; and    -   tightening stud nut 116 against first lip 244 of first leg        support portion 240 and second lip 254 of second leg support        portion 250, wherein first lip 244 and second lip 254 are        disposed and tightened between stud nut 116 and stud end 115.

A7. Method 300 of paragraph A5, wherein support opening 263 comprisessecond semicircular portion 265, and wherein stud end 115 is protrudedinto channel 260 through second semicircular portion 265.

A8. Method 300 of paragraph A7, wherein support opening 263 compriseslinear portion 256 defined by first linear part 246 of first inner lipedge 245 of first lip 244 and by second linear part 256 of second innerlip edge 255 of second lip 254, and wherein, after sliding seat 110along first axis 201, stud 114 protrudes through linear portion 266.

A9. Method 300 of paragraph A6, wherein sliding seat 110 along firstaxis 201 comprising sliding stud end 115 within channel 260 in adirection away from removable fastener 290.

A10. Method 300 of any one of paragraphs A1-A9, further comprisingremoving removable fastener 290 from second attachment opening 194 ofseat track 190 and through base opening 215 of seat track fitting 200and removing seat track fitting 200 from seat track 190.

B1. Seat track fitting 200 having first axis 201, second axis 202, andthird axis 203, wherein first axis 201 is perpendicular to second axis202 and to third axis 203 and wherein second axis 202 is perpendicularto third axis 203, seat track fitting 200 comprising:

-   -   base 210, comprising first planar surface 211, second planar        surface 212, and base opening 215, wherein:        -   first planar surface 211 is parallel to second planar            surface 212 and contains first axis 201 and second axis 202            of seat track fitting 200;        -   first planar surface 211 is offset relative to second planar            surface 212 along third axis 203 of seat track fitting 200;            and        -   base opening 215 extends between first planar surface 211            and second planar surface 212 and is centered relative to            third axis 203 of seat track fitting 200;    -   leg support 230, comprising first leg support portion 240 and        second leg support portion 250, forming channel 260 over first        planar surface 211 of base 210 and extending along first axis        201, wherein:        -   first leg support portion 240 comprises first lip 244 and            first wall 242, monolithic with and connecting first lip 244            to base 210;        -   second leg support portion 250 comprises second lip 254 and            second wall 252, monolithic with and connecting second lip            254 to base 210;        -   channel 260 comprises first channel portion 261, second            channel portion 262, and support opening 263;        -   first channel portion 261 is positioned between first lip            244 and second lip 254 along second axis 202;        -   second channel portion 262 is positioned between first wall            242 and second wall 252 along second axis 202 and also            between first channel portion 261 and first planar surface            211 along third axis 203;        -   support opening 263 is defined by first inner lip edge 245            of first lip 244 and second inner lip edge 255 of second lip            254 and is a part of the boundary of first channel portion            261; and    -   pin 270, monolithic with base 210 and extending from second        planar surface 212 along second axis 202.

B2. Seat track fitting 200 of paragraph B1, wherein a center distance(L1) between pin 270 and base opening 215 is equal to double of a seattrack pitch (P).

B3. Seat track fitting 200 of any one of paragraph B1-B2, whereinsupport opening 263 comprises first semicircular portion 264 and secondsemicircular portion 265, and wherein first semicircular portion 264 isconcentric with base opening 215.

B4. Seat track fitting 200 of paragraph B3, wherein support opening 263comprises linear portion 266 defined by first linear part 246 of firstinner lip edge 245 of first lip 244 and by second linear part 256 ofsecond inner lip edge 255 of second lip 254, and wherein first linearpart 246 and second linear part 256 are both parallel to first axis 201.

B5. Seat track fitting 200 of paragraph B4, wherein linear portion 266has a width (W1) less than a diameter (D1) of second semicircularportion 265, and wherein linear portion 266 has a length (L2) greaterthan the diameter (D1) of second semicircular portion 265.

B6. Seat track fitting 200 of paragraph B4, wherein second semicircularportion 265 is positioned between first semicircular portion 264 andlinear portion 266 along first axis 201.

B7. Seat track fitting 200 of any one of paragraphs B1-B6, wherein firstwall 242 comprises first inner curved wall 243, and wherein second wall252 comprises second inner curved wall 253, defining, together withfirst inner curved wall 243, first planar surface 211, first channelportion 261, and the boundary of second channel portion 262.

B8. Seat track fitting 200 of paragraph B7, wherein the shapes of firstinner curved wall 243 and second inner curved wall 253 are conformal tothe shape of stud end 115 of seat 110.

B9. Seat track fitting 200 of paragraph B7, wherein first inner curvedwall 243 and second inner curved wall 253 are both parallel to firstaxis 201.

B10. Seat track fitting 200 of any one of paragraphs B1-B9, whereinfirst leg support portion 240 and second leg support portion 250 aresymmetrical relative to virtual plane 205 containing first axis 201 andthird axis 203.

B11. Seat track fitting 200 of any one of paragraphs B1-B10, whereinopening 263 is parallel to first planar surface 211.

B12. Seat track fitting 200 of any one of paragraphs B1-B11, wherein theaverage width of first channel portion 261, along second axis 202, isless than the average width of second channel portion 262.

B13. Seat track fitting 200 of any one of paragraphs B1-B12, wherein themaximum width of first channel portion 261, along second axis 202, isequal to the maximum width of second channel portion 262.

B4. Seat track fitting 200 of any one of paragraphs B1-B13, whereinfirst channel portion 261 and second channel portion 262 both extend,along first axis 201, the entire length of seat track fitting 200.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a passengeraircraft, comprising a cabin and passenger seats, positioned within thecabin and supported on a seat track.

FIG. 18 is a schematic top cross-sectional view inside the cabin of thepassenger aircraft, illustrating an arrangement of the passenger seatsand seat tracks.

FIG. 1C illustrates two adjacent passenger seats supported on a seattrack, in accordance with some examples.

FIG. 1D illustrates a bottom portion of the passenger seat, inaccordance with some examples.

FIGS. 1E and 1F illustrate two examples of seat tracks used in aircraftfor supporting passenger seats.

FIG. 1G illustrates the passenger seat of FIG. 1D attached to andsupported by the seat track of FIG. 1F, in accordance with someexamples.

FIG. 2A is a top perspective view of a seat track fitting and acorresponding removable fastener used for securing the seat trackfitting on a seat track, in accordance with some examples.

FIG. 2B is a bottom perspective view of the seat track fitting of FIG.2A, illustrating the pin extending from the second planar surface of theseat track fitting, in accordance with some examples.

FIG. 2C is a top view of the seat track fitting of FIG. 2A, illustratingvarious features of the support opening of the seat track fitting, inaccordance with some examples.

FIG. 2D is a front view of the seat track fitting of FIG. 2A,illustrating a channel for receiving a stud end of the passenger seat ofFIG. 1A and a fastener nut of the removable fastener, in accordance withsome examples.

FIG. 3 is a process flowchart corresponding to a method for installing apassenger seat on a seat track in an aircraft cabin using a seat trackfitting, in accordance with some examples.

FIG. 4A is a top perspective view of a passenger seat attached to a seattrack using a seat track fitting, in accordance with some examples.

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the seat track fitting attached tothe seat track, in accordance with some examples.

FIG. 5 is a process flowchart corresponding to a method formanufacturing and service the aircraft.

FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of an example of an aircraft, inaccordance with some examples.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth inorder to provide a thorough understanding of the presented concepts. Insome examples, the presented concepts are practiced without some or allof these specific details. In other instances, well-known processoperations have not been described in detail so as to not unnecessarilyobscure the described concepts. While some concepts will be described inconjunction with the specific examples, it will he understood that theseexamples are not intended to be limiting.

Introduction

Different makes and/or models of aircraft often use different types ofseat tracks. This diversity complicates the process of reconfiguringaircraft cabins and, in particular, managing seat inventories. Forexample, different seat types are conventionally needed to accommodatedifferent track types. At the same time, airlines would like to makethis process of reconfiguring cabins seamless, regardless of theaircraft type, and available at multiple locations. Seat track fittings,described herein, provide an option for attaching the same type of seatsto different types of seat tracks.

Aircraft, cabins, seats, and seat tracks will now be briefly describedwith reference to FIGS. 1A-1G to provide some context. FIG. 1A is aschematic side cross-sectional view of aircraft 1402. Aircraft 1402comprises cabin 100, which is a part of interior 1422 of aircraft 1402.Additional details of aircraft 1402 and interior 1422 are describedbelow with reference to FIG. 6. Seats 110 are positioned inside cabin100 and supported on seat track 190.

FIG. 1B is a schematic top cross-sectional view inside cabin 100,illustrating an arrangement of seats 110 and seat tracks 190.Specifically, seats 110 are arranged in rows (along the Y direction) andaisles (along the X direction). It should be noted that the X, Y, and Zdirections, shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, are parallel to corresponding axesof seat track fittings, which are described below. The X-axis alsocorresponds to the longitudinal axis or the roll axis of aircraft 1402.The Y-axis corresponds to the lateral axis or the pitch axis. Finally,the Z-axis also corresponds to the vertical axis or the yaw axis. Eachset of seats 110, which may include one or more seats, is supportedusing at least two seat tracks 190. Seat tracks 190 extend in the Xdirection and allow changing the space between adjacent rows of seats110. This space is determined by a seat pitch (SP), which isschematically shown in FIG. 1C. The seat pitch can be changed by movingone or both adjacent seats along seat track 190.

FIG. 1D illustrates a bottom portion of seat 110. This bottom portion isused for attaching seat 110 to a seat track or, more specifically, forattaching directly to different-type seat track 130 shown in FIG. 1F.This direct attachment is shown in FIG. 1G and further described belowwith reference to this figure. However, the bottom portion of seat 110shown in FIG. 10 cannot be directly attached to seat track 190 shown inFIG. 1E. While different types of seats may be used and directlyattached to seat track 190, stocking different types of seats ischallenging to aircraft operators.

Referring to FIG. 1D, seat 110 comprises leg 112 and stud 114. Stud 114is connected to the end of leg 112 and terminates with stud end 115.Stud end 115 may be shaped as a disk, which has a diameter larger thanthat of stud 114. In some examples, stud 114 has a thread, threadablyengaging stud nut 116. Stud end 115 is configured to be inserted andengage either a seat track directly or using a seat track fitting asfurther described below.

FIG. 1E illustrates one example of seat track 190. Seat track 190comprises track support 192 for receiving a seat leg and, in someexamples, supporting floor panels. Track support 192 has a planarsurface and comprises multiple attachment openings 195. A pair of twoadjacent attachment openings 195 is separated by a seat track pitch (P),which should be distinguished from the seat pitch (SP) described above.The seat track pitch (P) represents an increment by which the seat pitch(SP) can be changed. In some embodiments, additional adjustment to theseat pitch is provided by seat track fittings, as further describedbelow with reference to FIG. 2C.

Not all attachment openings 195 are used for attaching to a seat or to aseat track fitting. For example, FIG. 1E identifies first attachmentopening 193 and second attachment opening 194, which are used forattaching a seat track fitting and which will be further described belowwith reference to FIGS. 3, 4A, and 4B. An additional opening, i.e.,third attachment opening 196, is disposed between first attachmentopening 193 and second attachment opening 194. As such, first attachmentopening 193 and second attachment opening 194 are separated by doublethe seat pitch (SP). One having ordinary skill in the art wouldappreciate that seat 110 of FIGS. 1C and 1D cannot be attached directlyto seat track 190 of FIG. 1E. Instead, a seat track fitting is used forthis purpose as further described below.

FIG. 1F illustrates different-type seat track 130, which is designed fordirect attachment to seat 110 of FIGS. 1C and 1D. Different-type seattrack 130 also comprises track support 192. However, instead ofattachment openings, different-type seat track 130 comprises protrusion132 extending above track support 192. Protrusion 132 is used to receivestud end 115 as, for example, shown in FIG. 1G, and secure leg 112 whenstud nut 116 is tightened against protrusion 132. A seat track fittingis not needed for the attachment of seat 110 to different-type seattrack 130. It should be noted that some aircraft of an aircraft operatormay be equipped with seat track 190 shown in FIG. 1E, while otheraircraft may be equipped with different-type seat track 130 shown inFIG. 1F.

Examples of Seat Track Fitting

FIGS. 2A-2D illustrate seat track fitting 200, in accordance with someembodiments. Seat track fitting 200 is configured for attaching to seattrack 190, shown in FIG. 1E, and to seat 110 of FIGS. 1C and 1D andinterconnect seat track 190 to seat 110. As shown in FIG. 2A, in someexamples, seat track fitting 200 is a part of seat track fitting kit299. Seat track fitting kit 299 also comprises removable fastener 290for attaching seat track fitting 200 to seat track 190. The overallprocess of installing seat 110 on seat track 190 using seat trackfitting 200 is described below with reference to FIG. 3 as well as FIGS.4A-4B.

Referring to FIG. 2A, seat track fitting 200 has, and is defined withrespect to, first axis 201, second axis 202, and third axis 203. Firstaxis 201 is perpendicular to each of second axis 202 and third axis 203.Second axis 202 is also perpendicular to third axis 203. Furthermore,first axis 201 is parallel to the X-direction identified in variousfigures, second axis 202 is parallel to the Y direction, and third axis203 is parallel to the Z direction. The X, Y, and Z directions aredescribed above with reference to aircraft 1402. It should be noted thatvarious forces are applied to seat track fitting 200 along the X, Y, andZ directions during operation of aircraft 1402.

Seat track fitting 200 comprises base 210, leg support 230, and pin 270.Base 210 interconnects leg support 230 and pin 270. Furthermore, in someexamples, base 210, leg support 230, and pin 270 are monolithic (e.g.,formed from the same block of material). The monolithic aspect ensuresthe mechanical performance of seat track fitting 200, while allowingkeeping the size of seat track fitting 200 rather small (e.g., not toimpact the height of seat 110 relative to the floor). Various materialsare suitable for seat track fitting 200, such as aluminum, titanium,steel, carbon-fiber composites, and the like. In general, the materialsfor seat track fitting 200 are lightweight yet mechanically strong,which are key considerations for aircraft applications.

Referring to FIGS. 2A and 28, base 210 comprises first planar surface211, second planar surface 212, and base opening 215. In some examples,first planar surface 211 is parallel to second planar surface 212. Morespecifically, first planar surface 211 is offset relative to secondplanar surface 212 along third axis 203 of seat track fatting 200. Thedistance between first planar surface 211 and second planar surface 212may be referred to as a thickness of base 210. As noted above, thethickness should be relatively small to avoid an excessive increase inheight of the seat above the floor. On the other hand, base 210 has tomaintain the position of leg support 230 relative to the seat track.

First axis 201 and second axis 202 are defined such that first axis 201and second axis 202 pass through first planar surface 211. In otherwords, first planar surface 211 coincides with a virtual plane formed byfirst axis 201 and second axis 202.

Base opening 215 is a through hole and extends between first planarsurface 211 and second planar surface 212. Base opening 215 is centeredrelative to third axis 203 of seat track fitting 200. Furthermore, firstaxis 201 and second axis 202 extend through the center of base opening215. In other words, all three axes (i.e., first axis 201, second axis202, and third axis 203) pass through the same point. Base opening 215has a cylindrical shape or, more specifically, the shape of a roundcylinder or a circular cylinder.

During the installation of seat track fitting 200 on seat track 190,removable fastener 290 protrudes through base opening 215 and forcesfirst planar surface 211 toward seat track 190. The diameter of baseopening 215 is selected based on the diameter of removable fastener 290(e.g., to ensure clearance fit).

Referring to FIG. 2D, leg support 230 comprises first leg supportportion 240 and second leg support portion 250. Collectively, first legsupport portion 240 and second leg support portion 250 form channel 260over first planar surface 211 of base 210. Channel 260 extends alongfirst axis 201, as more clearly seen in FIG. 2A. Channel 260 is used forreceiving removable fastener 290 during installation of seat trackfitting 200 on seat track 190. Furthermore, during installation of seat110, channel 260 is used for receiving stud end 115 of seat 110 andsliding stud end 115 within channel 260 along first axis 201 as furtherdescribed below with reference to FIG. 3.

Referring to FIG. 2D, first leg support portion 240 comprises first lip244 and first wall 242. First wall 242 is monolithic with first lip 244to base 210 and connects first lip 244 to base 210. Similarly, secondleg support portion 250 comprises second lip 254 and second wall 252.Second wall 252 is monolithic with second lip 254 to base 210 andconnects second lip 254 to base 210.

Referring to FIG. 2D, channel 260 comprises first channel portion 261,second channel portion 262, and support opening 263. First channelportion 261 is positioned between first lip 244 and second lip 254 alongsecond axis 202. Second channel portion 262 is positioned between firstwall 242 and second wall 252 along second axis 202. Furthermore, secondchannel portion 262 is positioned between first channel portion 261 andfirst planar surface 211 along third axis 203. Without implying anyorientation of seat track fitting 200, first channel portion 261 may bereferred to as a top channel portion, while second channel portion 262may be referred to as a bottom channel portion.

Referring to FIG. 2D, second channel portion 262 is wider (in thedirection along second axis 202) than first channel portion 261. In someexamples, the cross-sectional shape of second channel portion 262, shownin FIG. 2D, conforms to the cross-sectional shape of stud end 115 and isconstant along first axis 201. The cross-sectional shape of firstchannel portion 261 is variable along first axis 201, as furtherdescribed above with reference to FIG. 2C.

Support opening 263 is defined by first inner lip edge 245 of first lip244 and second inner lip edge 255 of second lip 254. Furthermore,support opening 263 is a part of the boundary of first channel portion261. During the installation of seat 110, stud end 115 enters channel260 through support opening 263 or, more specifically, through specificportions of support opening 263 as further described below withreference to FIG. 2C.

Referring to FIGS. 2B and 2D, in some examples, pin 270 is monolithicwith base 210. Pin 270 extends from second planar surface 212, alongthird axis 203, and away from first planar surface 211. During theinstallation of seat track fitting 200 on seat track 190, pin 270 isinserted into one of the attachment openings 195 of seat track 190. Assuch, the diameter of pin 270 depends on the diameter of attachmentopenings 195 to ensure clearance fit. Pin 270 has a cylindrical shapeor, more specifically, the shape of a round cylinder or a circularcylinder.

Referring to FIGS. 2C and 4B, in some examples, the center distance (L1)between pin 270 and base opening 215 is equal to double the seat trackpitch (P). This distance ensures that both pin 270 and base opening 215are aligned with corresponding attachment openings 195 of seat track190, such as first attachment opening 193 and second attachment opening194 shown in FIG. 1E. In other words, during installation of seat trackfitting 200 on seat track 190, pin 270 and removable fastener 290,protruding through base opening 215, are inserted into these attachmentopenings as further described below with reference to FIG. 3. Thiscenter distance (L1) ensures a relatively compact design of seat trackfitting 200 while providing sufficient support, especially along firstaxis 201.

Referring to FIG. 2C, in some examples, support opening 263 comprisesfirst semicircular portion 264 and second semicircular portion 265.First semicircular portion 264 is concentric with base opening 215 andis used for installation of removable fastener 290, which at leastpartially protrudes through base opening 215. Second semicircularportion 265 is used for receiving stud end 115 of seat 110 or, morespecifically, allowing stud end 115 to protrude into second channelportion 262.

Furthermore, in some examples, support opening 263 comprises linearportion 266 defined by first linear part 246 of first inner lip edge 245and also defined by second linear part 256 of second inner lip edge 255.Each of first linear part 246 and second linear part 256 is parallel tofirst axis 201. During the installation of seat 110, stud end 115protrudes through second semicircular portion 265 and, while beingpositioned within second channel portion 262, slides within secondchannel portion 262 into a space under linear portion 266. As such, whenthe installation of seat 110 is completed, stud 114 of seat 110protrudes through linear portion 266 of support opening 263. As notedabove, the diameter of stud 114 is smaller than the diameter of stud end115. Once stud end 115 is slid within second channel portion 262 into aspace under linear portion 266, stud end 115 can no longer be retractedfrom second channel portion 262.

Linear portion 266 has a width (W1), which is smaller than the diameter(D1) of second semicircular portion 265. Specifically, the width (W1) oflinear portion 266 may be larger than the diameter of stud 114 (e.g., toensure clearance fit), but smaller than the diameter of stud end 115.The diameter (D1) of second semicircular portion 265 is larger than thediameter of stud end 115 (e.g., to ensure clearance fit). In someexamples, the diameter (D1) of second semicircular portion 265 is thesame as that of first semicircular portion 264.

Overall, during installation, stud end 115 of seat 110 protrudes throughsecond semicircular portion 265 and is positioned in second channelportion 262. Once seat 110 is slid along first axis 201 and stud end 115is positioned under linear portion 266, stud end 115 can no longer beextracted from second channel portion 262. Stud end 115 is positionedbetween first planar surface 211 and the combination of first lip 244and second lip 254. In this position, stud end 115 can no longer movealong third axis 203.

Referring to FIG. 2C, in some examples, linear portion 266 has a length(L2) that is larger than the diameter (D1) of second semicircularportion 265. This length (L2) of linear portion 266 ensures that firstlip 244 and second lip 254 provide sufficient support and engagementsurfaces for stud end 115 when seat 110 is installed on seat track 190using seat track fitting 200. Furthermore, the length (L2) also ensuresfine-tuning of the seat pitch. In other words, the length (L2) allowspositioning stud 114 at multiple locations along the length (L2).

Referring to FIG. 2C, in some examples, second semicircular portion 265is positioned between first semicircular portion 264 and linear portion266 along first axis 201. As such, when stud end 115 is inserted throughsecond semicircular portion 265, stud end 115 is slid (along first axis201) away from first semicircular portion 264 (and removable fastener290 installed through first semicircular portion 264). In other words,removable fastener 290 prevents stud end 115 from sliding in anotherdirection.

Referring to FIG. 2D, in some examples, first wall 242 comprises firstinner curved wall 243, while second wall 252 comprises second innercurved wall 253, First inner curved wall 243 and second inner curvedwall 253, together with first planar surface 211 and first channelportion 261, define the boundary of second channel portion 262. Afterinstallation of seat 110, stud end 115 stays within this boundary.Furthermore, in some examples, first inner curved wall 243 and secondinner curved wall 253 are conformal to the shape of stud end 115,thereby preventing movement of stud end 115 with second channel portion262 along second axis 202.

In some examples, each of first inner curved wall 243 and second innercurved wall 253 is parallel to first axis 201. As such, thecross-sectional shape of second channel portion 262 within any planeperpendicular to first axis 201 is constant. This feature allows studend 115 to slide within second channel portion 262 and be supportedwithin second channel portion 262 at multiple different locations alongfirst axis 201.

Referring to FIG. 2D, in some examples, first leg support portion 240and second leg support portion 250 are symmetrical relative to a virtualplane 205 containing first axis 201 and third axis 203. Furthermore,support opening 263 is parallel to first planar surface 211. The averagewidth of first channel portion 261, along second axis 202, is smallerthan the average width of second channel portion 262. The maximum widthof first channel portion 261, along second axis 202, is equal to themaximum width of second channel portion 262. Finally, each of firstchannel portion 261 and second channel portion 262 extends, along firstaxis 201, an entire length of seat track fitting 200.

Examples of Seat Installation Methods

FIG. 3 illustrates a process flowchart corresponding to method 300 ofinstalling seat 110 on seat track 190. Method 300 utilizes seat trackfitting 200, various examples of which are described above withreference to FIGS. 2A-2D. Specifically, method 300 commences withproviding seat track fitting 200 (block 310 in FIG. 3). Seat trackfitting 200 comprises base 210, leg support 230, and pin 270, in someexamples, having various features described above.

Method 300 proceeds with inserting pin 270 of seat track fitting 200into first attachment opening 193 of seat track 190 (block 320). Firstattachment opening 193 is selected based on the desired position of seat110 on seat track 190 or, more generally, the desired position of seat110 in cabin 100 of aircraft 1402. In some examples, first attachmentopening 193 is positioned at a distance equal to the seat pitch fromanother attachment opening, which has already received or will receive apin of another seat track fitting. In some examples, first attachmentopening 193 is identified using marking on seat track 190, one or morereferences in the aircraft cabin, or the like.

Method 300 may proceed with installing removable fastener 290 throughsecond attachment opening 194 of seat track 190 and through base opening215 of seat track fitting 200 (block 330). FIG. 4B illustrates aprocessing stage after the installation of removable fastener 290. Apart of removable fastener 290 protrudes through base 210 of seat trackfitting 200 and also through track support 192 of seat track 190.Another part of removable fastener 290, e.g., end 294, extends intotrack channel 199 and may flare within channel 199 after theinstallation is complete. Yet another part of removable fastener 290extends into channel 260 of leg support 230. After this installation,removable fastener 290 forces second planar surface 212 of base 210 ofseat track fitting 200 toward track support 192.

Various examples of removable fastener 290 are within the scope, such asHarper Engineering Part Number H3-1904-1. Using removable fastener 290,rather than a permanent fastener, allows repositioning seat trackfitting 200 at a new location. Furthermore, it should be noted thatinstalling removable fastener 290 (block 330) is performed afterinserting pin 270 of seat track fitting 200 into first attachmentopening 193 of seat track 190. As such, pin 270 provides alignment ofseat track fitting 200 on seat track 190, thereby simplifying theinstalling of removable fastener 290.

In some examples, support opening 263 comprises first semicircularportion 264, concentric with base opening 215. In these examples,installing removable fastener 290 (block 330) comprises protrudingremovable fastener 290 through first semicircular portion 264, baseopening 215, and second attachment opening 194 (block 332). A part ofremovable fastener 290 extends into track channel 199. Installingremovable fastener 290 (block 330) also comprises tightening fastenernut 292 of removable fastener 290 against first planar surface 211(block 333). In some examples, tightening fastener nut 292 causes end294 of removable fastener 290, which extends into track channel 199, toflare (block 336). After this operation, removable fastener 290 cannotbe extracted from second attachment opening 194, at least not withoutloosening fastener nut 292. Furthermore, this feature allows installingremovable fastener 290 from the side of seat track fitting 200 without aneed for accessing track channel 199 (e.g., accessing under the floor).In some examples, after this operation, most of fastener nut 292 ispositioned within channel 260. A portion of removable fastener 290 mayprotrude above seat track fitting 200.

In some examples, method 300 further comprises attaching seat 110 toseat track fitting 200, supported on seat track 190 (block 340). In someexamples, this seat attachment operation is performed after attachingseat track fitting 200 to seat track 190. Alternatively, seat 110 isattached to seat track fitting 200 prior to attaching seat track fitting200 to seat track 190.

In some examples, attaching seat 110 to seat track fitting 200 (block340) comprises protruding stud end 115 of seat 110 into second channelportion 262 (block 342), sliding seat 110 along first axis 201 of seattrack fitting 200 (block 344), rotating stud nut 116 of seat 110relative to stud 114 (block 346), and tightening stud nut 116 againstfirst lip 244 and second lip 254 (block 348). FIG. 4A illustrates aprocessing stage during these operations or, more specifically, afterprotruding stud end 115 of seat 110 into second channel portion 262.

As described above, stud 114 connects stud end 115 and leg 112 of seat110. Once stud end 115 of seat 110 is inserted into second channelportion 262, stud 114 protrudes through first channel portion 261.Furthermore, after stud nut 116 is tightened, each of first lip 244 andsecond lip 254 of leg support 230 is disposed and tightened between studnut 116 and stud end 115, thereby preventing stud 114 and other elementsof seat 110 from moving along second axis 202.

Referring briefly to FIG. 2C, in some examples, support opening 263comprises second semicircular portion 265. In these examples, stud end115 protrudes into second channel portion 262 through secondsemicircular portion 265. As noted above, the diameter (D1) of secondsemicircular portion 265 is larger than the width (W1) of linear portion266. This allows stud end 115 to protrude into second channel portion262, through second semicircular portion 265, and then slide withinsecond channel portion 262 to an area under linear portion 266. Morespecifically, stud end 115 is slid within second channel portion 262 inthe direction away from removable fastener 290. As such, removablefastener 290 does not interfere with the installation of seat 110, eventhough a portion of removable fastener 290 extends into channel 260.

In some examples, method 300 further comprises removing removablefastener 290 from second attachment opening 194 of seat track 190 andthrough base opening 215 of seat track fitting 200 (block 350) andremoving seat track fitting 200 from seat track 190 (block 360). Theseoperations can be repeated multiple times, e.g., for new locations ofseat 110.

Aircraft and Spacecraft Examples

As discussed above, various examples of seat track fitting 200 disclosedherein are used on aircraft 1402. Accordingly, the manufacture of suchappliances may be described in the context of an aircraft manufacturingand service method 1400 as shown in FIG. 8 and aircraft 1402 as shown inFIG. 9. During pre-production, method 1400 may include specification anddesign 1404 of aircraft 1402 and material procurement 1406. Duringproduction, component, and subassembly manufacturing stages 1408 andsystem integration stage 1410 of aircraft 1402 takes place. Thereafter,aircraft 1402 may go through certification and delivery 1412 to beplaced in service 1414. While in service by a customer, aircraft 1402 isscheduled for routine maintenance and service 1416 (which may alsoinclude modification, reconfiguration, refurbishment, and so on).

Each of the processes of method 1400 may be performed or carried out bya system integrator, a third party, and/or an operator (e.g., acustomer). For this description, a system integrator may include withoutlimitation any number of aircraft manufacturers and major-systemsubcontractors; a third party may include without limitation any numberof vendors, subcontractors, and suppliers; and an operator may be anairline, leasing company, military entity, service organization, and soon.

As shown in FIG. 15, aircraft 1402 produced by method 1400 may includean airframe 1418 with high-level systems 1420 and interior 1422, whichincludes cabin 100, schematically shown in FIG. 4. Examples ofhigh-level systems 1420 include one or more of a propulsion system 1424,an electrical system 1426, a hydraulic system 1428, and an environmentalsystem 1430. Although an aerospace example is shown, the principles ofthe examples described herein may be applied to other industries.

Devices and methods embodied herein may be employed during any one ormore of the stages of method 1400. For example, components orsubassemblies corresponding to stages 1408 and 1410 may be fabricated ormanufactured like components or subassemblies produced while aircraft1402 is in service. Also, one or more device examples, method examples,or a combination thereof may be utilized during stages 1408 and 1410,for example, by substantially expediting assembly of or reducing thecost of aircraft 1402. Similarly, one or more device examples, methodexamples, or a combination thereof may be utilized while aircraft 1402is in service, for example, and without limitation, for maintenance andservice 1416.

Conclusion

Although the foregoing concepts have been described in some detail forpurposes of clarity of understanding, it will be apparent that certainchanges and modifications may be practiced within the scope of theappended claims. It should be noted that there are many alternative waysof implementing the processes, systems, and apparatus. Accordingly, thepresent examples are to be considered as illustrative and notrestrictive.

What is claimed is:
 1. A seat track fitting for installing a seat on aseat track in an aircraft cabin and having a first axis, a second axis,and a third axis, wherein the first axis is perpendicular to the secondaxis and to the third axis and wherein the second axis is perpendicularto the third axis, the seat track fitting comprising: a base, comprisinga first planar surface, a second planar surface, and a base opening,wherein: the first planar surface is parallel to the second planarsurface and contains the first axis and the second axis of the seattrack fitting; the first planar surface is offset relative to the secondplanar surface along the third axis of the seat track fitting; and thebase opening extends between the first planar surface and the secondplanar surface and is centered relative to the third axis of the seattrack fitting; a leg support, comprising a first leg support portion anda second leg support portion, forming a channel over the first planarsurface of the base and extending along the first axis, wherein: thefirst leg support portion comprises a first lip and a first wall,monolithic with and connecting the first lip to the base; the second legsupport portion comprises a second lip and a second wall, monolithicwith and connecting the second lip to the base; the channel comprises afirst channel portion, a second channel portion, and a support opening;the first channel portion is positioned between the first lip and thesecond lip along the second axis; the second channel portion ispositioned between the first wall and the second wall along the secondaxis and also between the first channel portion and the first planarsurface along the third axis; and a pin, monolithic with the base andextending from the second planar surface along the second axis.
 2. Theseat track fitting of claim 1, wherein a center distance (L1) betweenthe pin and the base opening is equal to double of a seat track pitch(P).
 3. The seat track fitting of claim 1, wherein: the support openingcomprises a first semicircular portion and a second semicircularportion; and the first semicircular portion is concentric with the baseopening.
 4. The seat track fitting of claim 3, wherein: the supportopening comprises a linear portion defined by a first linear part of thefirst lip and by a second linear part of the second lip; and the firstlinear part and the second linear part are both parallel to the firstaxis.
 5. The seat track fitting of claim 4, wherein: the linear portionhas a width (W1) less than a diameter (D1) of the second semicircularportion; and the linear portion has a length (L2) greater than thediameter (D1) of the second semicircular portion.
 6. The seat trackfitting of claim 4, wherein the second semicircular portion ispositioned between the first semicircular portion and the linear portionalong the first axis.
 7. The seat track fitting of claim 4, wherein aprojection of the pin overlaps with the linear portion.
 8. The seattrack fitting of claim 1, wherein; the first wall comprises a firstinner curved wall; and the second wall comprises a second inner curvedwall, defining, together with the first inner curved wall, the firstplanar surface, the first channel portion, and a boundary of the secondchannel portion.
 9. The seat track fitting of claim 8, wherein shapes ofthe first inner curved wall and the second inner curved wall areconformal to a shape of a stud end of the seat.
 10. The seat trackfitting of claim 8, wherein the first inner curved wall and the secondinner curved wall are both parallel to the first axis.
 11. The seattrack fitting of claim 1, wherein the support opening is parallel to thefirst planar surface.
 12. The seat track fitting of claim 1, wherein anaverage width of the first channel portion, along the second axis, isless than an average width of the second channel portion.
 13. The seattrack fitting of claim 1, wherein a maximum width of the first channelportion, along the second axis, is equal to a maximum width of thesecond channel portion.
 14. The seat track fitting of claim 1, whereinthe first channel portion and the second channel portion both extend,along the first axis, an entire length of the seat track fitting. 15.The seat track fitting of claim 1, wherein the seat track fitting isformed from one or more of aluminum, titanium, steel, and carbon-fibercomposite.
 16. The seat track fitting of claim 1, wherein the pin has ashape of a circular cylinder.
 17. The seat track fitting of claim 1,wherein the base opening is configured to receive a removable fastenersuch that a portion of the removable fastener protrudes into the supportopening.
 18. The seat track fitting of claim 1, wherein a diameter ofthe base opening is equal to a diameter of the pin.
 19. A seat trackfitting for installing a seat on a seat track in an aircraft cabin, theseat track fitting comprising: a first axis; a base; a leg support; anda pin, wherein: the base comprises a first planar surface, a secondplanar surface, and a base opening, having a circular cross-section; theleg support comprises a first leg support portion and a second legsupport portion, forming a channel over the first planar surface of thebase and comprising a support opening; the support opening comprises afirst semicircular portion, concentric with the base opening; the pin ismonolithic with the base and extends from the second planar surface awayfrom the leg support; the pin is configured for inserting into a firstattachment opening of the seat track; and the first semicircular portionand the base opening are configured for a removable fastener to protrudethrough the first semicircular portion and the base opening and toinstall into a second attachment opening of the seat track such that aportion of the removable fastener extends within and blocks the firstsemicircular portion.
 20. A seat track fitting for installing a seat ona seat track in an aircraft cabin, the seat track fitting comprising: abase; a leg support; and a pin, wherein: the base comprises a baseopening, having a circular cross-section, the leg support comprises afirst leg support portion and a second leg support portion, forming achannel over the base and comprising a support opening, and the supportopening comprises a first semicircular portion, concentric with the baseopening; the pin is configured for inserting into a first attachmentopening of the seat track; and the base opening is configured for aremovable fastener to protrude through the base opening and to installinto a second attachment opening of the seat track such that a portionof the removable fastener extends within and blocks the firstsemicircular portion.